Nara Park: Deer Feeding Experience
Nara Park is a must-visit spot known for its friendly, free-roaming deer, beautiful temples, and peaceful nature. Opened in 1880, the park covers over 500 hectares and is home to iconic sites. One of the park’s biggest highlights? The cute, friendly, wild deer are considered a sacred messenger of the Gods.
Feeding the friendly deer in Nara is a fun, unique, and unforgettable experience. Visitors can buy special deer crackers (shika senbei) to feed them. These friendly deer, known as sika deer, walk freely around the park and have become famous for their polite behavior— they bow in exchange for food. This charming interaction shows a deep bond between people and nature in Japanese culture.
Where Is Nara Park Located
Nara Park is in Nara Prefecture, just about an hour from Kyoto or Osaka by train, making it a perfect day trip destination. The park is large, scenic, and home to famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, like Todai-ji Temple, Kofuku-ji Temple, and Kasuga Taisha Shrine.
Top Safety Tips for Feeding Deer at Nara Park
Meeting the friendly deer in Nara Park is a fun and memorable adventure, but it’s important to follow some simple safety guidelines to ensure a safe and respectful visit for both you and the animals.
1. Be Gentle — Never Tease the Deer
Never trick the deer with food or pretend to feed them. It can make them upset or aggressive. Some might even nudge or headbutt when they’re excited.
2. Watch Your Stuff
Nara deer are naturally curious and may nibble on anything they find interesting, including bags, maps, paper, or clothing. Keep personal items secure and avoid carrying anything hanging or loose.
3. Only Feed Official Shika Senbei Crackers
Only use the special deer crackers (Shika Senbei) sold in the park. Feeding deer human food is dangerous and can harm their health. The official crackers are made specifically for the deer’s diet.
4. Supervise Children Closely
Most deer are gentle and used to humans, but they can get excited or startled, especially around food. Always watch your kids and teach them how to interact with the deer gently and respectfully.
By following these tips, you can enjoy a safe, memorable, and meaningful Nara Park deer feeding experience while helping protect the well-being of these sacred animals.
The deer feeding experience at Nara Park is not just fun — it’s also incredibly photogenic. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to take photos with the bowing deer, the beautiful temple backdrops, and the surrounding nature, especially during cherry blossom season in spring or autumn foliage in the fall.
